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When fifteen-year-old Ruby's mother dies, she's shipped off to live with her father in California. Forced to leave her boyfriend and her lifelong best friend, Ruby is less than thrilled at the prospect of a reunion with the father she's never known. And he's not just any father - he's Whip Logan, star of the silver screen. Full of resentment at the man who deserted her before she was even born, Ruby is determined not to let him into her life. But as her life crumbles around her, keeping him out proves harder than she ever would've expected.Told in a series of connected poems, One Of Those Hideous Books Where The Mother Dies is a shining example of a much-underrated form. Having only fairly recently discovered for myself just how absorbing the YA verse novel can be, I can relate to all those who don't think they'd enjoy reading a story written entirely in poetry. Especially if - like me - you're not a huge fan of poetry in general. But if any verse novel can change your mind, I think it might be One of Those Hideous Books Where The Mother Dies. With an engaging story and a wonderfully snarky narrator, this one is gold.
In this particular verse novel, the poetry is interspersed with the occasional prose email from main character Ruby to the people who mattered most in her life back in Boston: her boyfriend Ray, her best friend Lizzie, and her much-missed mum. Each of the poems has its own subtly unique flavour, but flows as part of a seamless whole. As a protagonist, narrator Ruby shares poignant memories, striking imagery and the occasional WTF moment, taking the reader with her through the grieving process and out the the other side. It's also a journey of discovery, as Ruby slowly realises that maybe everything she thought was true about her father... isn't.
The majority of Ruby's story takes place in Hollywood, home of her movie-star father. For Ruby, it's like a different planet. Being snapped by the paparazzi, attending a school that has its own resident drug dealer, living next door to Cameron Diaz... Despite the sad circumstances, the setting gives her journey an element of wonder that ensures it never becomes dark or depressing.
One of Those Hideous Books Where The Mother Dies is a sensitive and thoughtful story about a girl who loses everything - and then finds something new. It's insightful and surprisingly upbeat and at times laugh-out-loud funny in a way I hadn't realised a verse novel could be. It's like a hit of pure YA amazingness. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys verse novels and anyone who thinks they just might, given the right book. This may well be the right book.
Out: already, US.
13 comments:
Great review! I think Sonya Sones is a fantastic author. I really need to buy her books for myself!
I can't cope with sad stories but this sounds not too sad.
Not read a verse novel either. Nice review, L.
Looks like the cover is trying to demonstrate that balance of sad and funny, as the title is depressing but the model is smiling. You basically said the one thing about this book that would make me consider reading it, which is that for people who don't like poetry that much (me) and don't read YA verse (also me), this might be the one to try. Thanks for saying that. (:
I read another Sonia Sones book and enjoyed it, so this one is going on the wishlist.
Thanks for such an insightful review, Lauren. It sounds a bit sad, but uplifting at the same time. :)
And that should have said Sonya, obviously ;)
Ohh, I loved this book! Sonya Sones' verse novels are amazing.
Great review - very insightful :)
I'm still very hesitant about verse novels but you've made this sound completely amazing. But sad.
I love the title of this book! I have only read Lisa Schroeder's I Heart You, You Haunt Me as far as YA verse novels go. I loved it and have been looking for more verse books to read - I think that, thanks to your great review - I may have found one!
Lisa Schroeder, Sonya Sones, and Ellen Hopkins are the three authors whose verse novels I am itching to read. This one is pretty high on the list.
This is indeed my favorite verse novel of all time. All others seem to pale in comparison to this (at least for me). I'm glad you liked it as well!
I love Sonya Sones' novels so much. Thank you for this great review!
Great review! I've been eyeing this one up for a while so pleased that you enjoyed it - will get myself a copy me thinks:)
The title of this really got my attention. I never expected it to be a novel told in verse. I still can't get my head around reading a story through poetry. I always think of poetry capturing a moment rather than depicting a character's journey. It certainly sounds beautiful though and worth reading. At some point I am going to have to try one of these verse books. Great review.
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